Stadium for robotic games

ABSTRACT

A user configurable playing surface and stadium venue includes interlocking floor parts that form a playing surface. Each of the interlocking floor parts has a series of openings. A set of wall elements are provided that each have insertion tabs configured to mate with the interlocking floor parts using the series of openings to form said stadium venue with a perimeter boundary.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application that claims prioritybenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/458,705 filed Feb.14, 2017; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in general relates to entertainment and games, andin particular to a user configurable playing surface and venue forrobotic based games.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most robot games are intended for the robots to push each other around(sumo), destroy each other (e.g., BattleBots, RoboWars, etc.), or playsome form of soccer (push/roll/kick a ball into a goal). In addition,some robot games are designed for a specific purpose for hobbyists andeducational competitions (e.g., First, etc.). However, there arecurrently no user configurable playing surfaces and venues for roboticbased games.

Thus, there exists a need for a user configurable playing surface andvenue for robotic based games.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A user configurable playing surface and stadium venue includesinterlocking floor parts that form a playing surface. Each of theinterlocking floor parts has a series of openings. A set of wallelements are provided that each have insertion tabs configured to matewith the interlocking floor parts using the series of openings to formsaid stadium venue with a perimeter boundary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further detailed with respect to the followingdrawings that are intended to show certain aspects of the present ofinvention, but should not be construed as limit on the practice of theinvention, where like numbers have the same meaning in the differentdrawing views, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a partial top down view of a user configurable walled playingsurface that forms a stadium venue for robotic based games according toembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 1B is an outside partial side perspective view of the userconfigurable walled playing surface of FIG. 1A according to embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 1C is an inside partial side perspective view of the userconfigurable walled playing surface of FIG. 1A according to embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 1D is an inside partial side perspective view of a userconfigurable walled playing surface with a curved corner wall and aseries structures along the perimeter wall according to embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 1E is an outside partial side perspective view of a userconfigurable walled playing surface with a curved corner wall and aseries structures or stadium modules along the perimeter wall as shownin FIG. 1D according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed top view of a playing surface floor section inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side perspective views of a male and female edgeparts, respectively according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a buttress part according to embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a wall part according to embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views of a large gate section and acorresponding back up section, respectively in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are side views of a small gate section and acorresponding back up section, respectively in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a circular part in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a flat corner part as shown in the cornerportion of FIGS. 1A-1C;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a curved corner part as shown in the cornerportion of FIGS. 1D and 1E;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a corner part back up in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates the insertion of the large gate section and acorresponding back up section of FIGS. 6A and 6B into one of the playingsurface floor sections in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of the structure shown in FIG. 1Ein accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates the insertion of the structure of FIG. 13 into oneof the playing surface floor sections in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention;

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate the actuation of a gate mechanisms in adown and up position, respectively for periodically blocking the gatepart opening of FIGS. 6A and 6B in accordance with embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 16 is a detailed underside perspective view of the gate mechanismof FIGS. 15A and 15B;

FIG. 17A is a side view of an embodiment of a robot operative in thepresent invention; and

FIG. 17B is a bottom view of the robot shown in FIG. 17A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has utility as a user configurable playing surfaceand stadium venue for robotic games. Embodiments of the inventive userconfigurable playing surface and stadium venue are formed withinter-locking floor parts and various perimeter wall, gate elements, andstadium modules. Embodiments of the interlocking floor parts and variousperimeter wall and gate elements may be formed of wood, plastic, andcomposite materials. In a specific inventive embodiment, theinter-locking floor parts and various perimeter wall and gate elementsare formed out of a foam-based material. In a specific inventiveembodiment parts are die-cut from a single piece of material. The walland gate elements may use the same or different thickness of foam thenthe floor parts, or may be formed of a different material and have adifferent thickness then the floor parts. When assembled theinter-locking floor parts and various perimeter wall and gate elementsform a playing surface with an enclosed perimeter that may be used as astadium venue for competitive games illustratively including roboticbased games. The inter-locking floor parts and various perimeter walland gate elements may be easily disassembled for storage and transport.

Embodiments of the inventive user configurable playing surface may beformed of interlocking floor parts illustratively shaped as squares,rectangles, triangles, and other shapes. The perimeter edges of theinterlocking floor parts have alternating male and female features thatjoin with complementary patterns of mating floor elements. Theinterlocking floor parts have a series of openings to accommodate theinsertion of elements illustratively including rod and tube parts, gatesand walls that form an enclosing perimeter about the playing surface.

As used herein, an opening is defined as a hole, slot or geometricsample that in each instance either extends from top to bottom surfacesof the part or is not a throughhole. The arrangement of openings in someembodiments are not an array of mono-shaped openings of a grid or pegboard. In still other embodiments, the openings are not in a closepacked arrangement.

The walls may have male mating features that interlock with the holesand geometric openings of the floor parts. The openings may also be usedfor insertion of components to alter game play. Circle parts may beinstalled into the opening in the floor parts.

Embodiments of the inventive floor parts when joined together may bebordered with a series of interlocking edge parts about the perimeter ofthe playing surface. The edge parts may have openings for inserting wallparts, rod/tube parts, and buttress parts. Buttress parts support wallparts from tipping over during game play. Buttress parts have maleextending features that interlock with holes/openings in floor parts andedge parts to keep them from moving.

Embodiments of the inventive gate parts have various sized openings forgame targets (balls) to pass through. The gate parts may be configuredwith a gate mechanism that periodically block the gate part opening.Corner parts are used in the corners of the stadium to prevent targets(balls) from getting stuck and form a portion of the perimeter of aplaying field. Corner parts may be made from same foam material and havethe same thickness as floor parts, or may use a different material witha different thickness. Corner parts have male features that extend intoand interlock with holes/openings in floor parts. Corner parts maycontain various size openings for game targets, such as balls, to passthrough. Wall parts may be bent to form corners, or the corners may bepre-shaped with a bend. Back-up gate and corner parts may be bonded togate and corner parts for added strength.

Rod/tube parts that may be slightly larger than the holes in the floorand edge parts to provide support. Rod/tube parts may illustratively beused to support flags, banners, signs, figures, etc. Bumper mechanismskick the targets such as balls, away from the wall parts and into theplaying field. Stadium modules may be installed in place of wall partsand may contain various computer-controlled gates, bumpers, targets,displays, graphics, speakers, lights, cameras, clocks, tracks, etc.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1A is a partial top down view of auser configurable walled playing surface formed with interlocking floorparts 10 with openings 12 and circles 14. A wall 22 with back up 24 formpart of the perimeter boundary about the playing surface. Buttresses 20provide support to the wall and engage the wall parts 22, floor parts10, and the male 18 and female 16 edge parts. FIG. 1B is an outsidepartial side perspective view of the user configurable walled playingsurface of FIG. 1A showing both a large gate 26 with backing 28, and asmall gate 26S with backing 28S. In an inventive embodiment the size ofthe gate determines the scoring, where a smaller size gate scores morepoints. FIG. 1C is an inside partial side perspective view of the userconfigurable walled playing surface of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1D is an insidepartial side perspective view of a user configurable walled playingsurface with a curved corner wall 32 and a series stadium modulesstructures 30 along the perimeter wall. FIG. 1E is an outside partialside perspective view of a user configurable walled playing surface witha curved corner wall 32 and a series structures or stadium modules 30along the perimeter wall.

FIG. 2 is a detailed top view of an interlocking surface floor section10. The perimeter edges of the interlocking floor parts 10 havealternating male and female features 34 that join with complementarypatterns of mating floor elements. The interlocking floor parts 10 havea series of openings 12 to accommodate the insertion of elementsillustratively including rod and tube parts, gates, and walls that forman enclosing perimeter about the playing surface. A removable circle 14is shown in the floor part 10. FIGS. 3A and 3B are side perspectiveviews of a male 18 with male connector MC at the opposing short sides ofthe interlocking edge parts, and female 16 edge parts with femaleconnectors FC at the opposing short sides of the interlocking edgeparts, respectively. FIG. 4 is a side view of a buttress part 20 withinsertion tabs 36 that fit into features 12 to support the perimeterwall (22, 24). FIG. 5 is a side view of a wall part 32 with insertiontabs 36. FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views of a large gate section 28 withinsertion tabs 36, and a corresponding back up section 26, respectively.FIGS. 7A and 7B are side views of a small gate section 28S withinsertion tabs 36, and a corresponding back up section 26S,respectively. FIG. 8 is a top view of a circular part 14. FIG. 9 is aside view of a flat corner part 38 with insertion tabs 36 as shown inthe corner portion of FIGS. 1A-1C. FIG. 10 is a side view of a curvedcorner part 32 with insertion tabs 36 as shown in the corner portion ofFIGS. 1D and 1E. FIG. 11 is a side view of a corner part back up 40.FIG. 12 illustrates the insertion of the large gate section 28 withinsertion tabs 36 and a corresponding back up section 26 of FIGS. 6A and6B into one of the playing surface floor sections 10.

FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of the stadium module structure30 shown in FIG. 1E. A front face 42 is connected to a rear face 41 withside walls 44. Openings or windows 46 may be made in the front face 42,rear face 41, and side walls 44. The front face 42 and rear face 41 areconfigured with insertion tabs 36 for placement and insertion on theplaying surface floor sections 10 and/or the interlocking edge parts(16/18). The stadium module structure 30 may be installed in place ofwall parts and may contain various computer controlled gates, bumpers,targets, displays, graphics, speakers, lights, cameras, clocks, tracks,etc. FIG. 14 illustrates the insertion of the stadium module structure30 of FIG. 13 into one of the playing surface floor sections 10 and themale edge section 18 via insertion tabs 36 into slots 12.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate the actuation of a gate mechanism 54 in adown and up position, respectively for periodically blocking the gatepart opening (26/28) of FIGS. 6A and 6B. Hand crank 50 may be used toactuate the gate mechanism 54 via actuation arm 52. It is appreciatedthat the action of the gate mechanism 54 may be automated and controlledby a computer processor, where the up and down motion of the gatemechanism is determined on gaming conditions as monitored by thecomputer processor. FIG. 16 is a detailed underside perspective view ofthe stationary portion of the gate mechanism 48 of FIGS. 15A and 15B.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are a side view and bottom view, respectively of anembodiment of a robot 60 that may be propelled and steered by drivewheels 62 and may be operative in the present invention. In a preferredembodiment an application program operating on a smart phone or tabletdevice controls the movement of the robot 60. A weapon may be providedin some embodiments to impede the activities of a competitive robot frommoving targets in the stadium venue. A sensor used in the robots wouldbe operative to recognize targets with unique machine readable orrecognizable electronics/components (RFID, magnets, etc.) inside eachball (1 through 15), or machine readable (vision) unique marks.

It is appreciated that various games are readily developed based on therobots, targets and user configurable playing surfaces as definedherein. These games include:

-   -   1. Multiple Robots play a simultaneous pushing game with        targets—when the targets associated with a Robot are pushed out        of the game (thru a target gate in a Stadium Wall Module), that        Robot is disabled from playing the game (shuts down movement)        while the other Robots continue to play. Play continues until        there is only one Robot with live targets left (the winner!).    -   2. Multiple Robots play a simultaneous pushing game with        targets—the first Robot to push all of its associated targets        out of the game (thru a target gate in a Stadium Wall Module),        is the winner.    -   3. Single Robot plays a timed pushing game with targets—when the        targets are pushed out of the game (thru a target gate in a        Stadium Wall Module), time is recorded—fastest time is the        winner.    -   4. Single or multiple Robots play a timed game in the Stadium        touching/hitting/approaching/shooting features (Buttons,        Bumpers, Sensors, Opening, target gates, munition gates, etc.)        on/in the Stadium Wall Modules using the Robots, targets and        munitions.    -   5. Limit munitions/battery power for a robot, with resupply        coming at the cost of objective completion opportunities.    -   6. Single or multiple Robots play a scoring game in the Stadium        touching/hitting/approaching/shooting features (Buttons,        Bumpers, Sensors, Openings, target gates, munition gates, etc.)        on/in the Stadium Wall Modules using the Robots, targets and        munitions—high score is the winner    -   7. Single or multiple Robots play a video-like game of        sequential challenges.    -   8. Combinations of the above.

Variations on a bounded interlocking playing surface 10 illustrativelyinclude:

-   -   1. Which, when assembled, enclose the Robots and targets in a        defined space for playing games    -   2. That rest primarily on a horizontal playing surface        (Billiards Table, Craps Table, Ping-Pong Table, Floor, Driveway,        Table, etc.)    -   3. With target gates that allow the targets to pass thru a gate        section to be scored    -   4. With target gates that allow the targets to pass thru, said        gate section having means to identify targets as they pass        through (see target Reading Device below) out of the Game (or to        be collected and re-used during game)    -   5. With target gate sections which have means to automatically        close/open (Gates, Doors, Windows, Bars, etc.)    -   6. With target gate sections which have means to indicate        (lights, flags, etc.) if they are open or closed (a closed gate        could score negative points)    -   7. With target gate sections which are different sizes (smaller        size scores more points)    -   8. With target gate sections that physically align to pockets on        a Billiard Table (targets could be Pool Balls)    -   9. With target gate sections that collect/control the targets        for other purposes    -   10. With means to re-introduce the targets to the Game/Stadium        for continued play    -   11. With Buttons and/or Sensors that can be activated by        pushing/touching/approaching/shooting with Robots, targets        and/or munitions.    -   12. Which incorporate munition gates, for the Weapons to fire        munitions at and score points    -   13. With munition gates that can distinguish munitions from        different Robots    -   14. With dedicated munition gates that are capable to detect one        type of munition (Projectile, Visible Light Beam, Laser Beam, IR        Beam, Water, Gas, Flame, Missile, Airplane, Rocket, Firework,        etc.)    -   15. With munition gates that are capable to detect multiple        types of munition (Projectile, Visible Light Beam, Laser Beam,        IR Beam, Water, Gas, Flame, Missile, Airplane, Rocket, or        Firework, etc.)    -   16. With munition gates at various (adjustable?) angles and        sizes to vary difficulty of hitting    -   17. With Blocks of various size, shape and location to vary        difficulty of hitting munition gates    -   18. With Back-Boards (Mirror, angled Wall, etc.) of various        size, shape and location to vary difficulty of hitting munition        gates    -   19. With capability to install other munition gates    -   20. With Garage feature to store and re-charge Robot(s)    -   21. With Garage feature including a Door, with Door opening to        start Game    -   22. With Garage feature that acts as a sizing gage for Robots—if        it does not fit in the Garage, it is too big to play    -   23. Which contains a Game Brain (game controller) that is linked        to the Robot Controllers (smart phones) and other Stadium Wall        Modules for scoring and game control    -   24. That communicate the status of the target gates, Buttons,        Sensors, munition gates, etc. to the Game Brain    -   25. With Lights for various visual effects    -   26. With a Scoreboard/Display    -   27. With Speakers for various sound effects    -   28. With Microphones for other applications    -   29. With Cameras (pan, tilt, zoom) for remote viewing by fans    -   30. With Batteries    -   31. With Connector for power input    -   32. With Connector for wire to communicate and/or power with        other Wall Modules    -   33. With Wireless connection    -   34. With Link Provide an electronic system at each Firework        munition gate that can sense and differentiate the different        colors/chemistry of the Fireworks when it hits or passes thru        that gate

-   1. Provide means to Transmit the information about the Firework to    the Game Brain such as wire, cell phone, radio, internet, Skype,    computer network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc.

-   2. Score the munition

In embodiments of the inventive game, the slave targets areelectronically intelligent and coupled/matched (owned) to each masterrobot of each competitor. Furthermore, there can be any number of slavesmatched with a single master robot (but the number should be the samefor all competing master robots in a single game). When a master robot'sslave target is eliminated (or impaired) from the playing field, reducedfunctionality of the slave owner's master robot can be initiated.Various stages of impaired functionality can be implemented for eachslave eliminated. Master robots could display an indication of thenumber of slaves still “alive” in the game. In embodiments, the gameends when only one master robot has functioning slaves.

Embodiments of the inventive user configurable playing venue for roboticgames may be used on a table, pool table, floor, or other suitableindoor or outdoor surface. The object of the game is to push (using themaster robot) the opponent's slave targets off the table, into a pocketof a pool table, or out of the demarcated playing field surface. Eachplayer controls one master robot. Each robot can have any number ofslave targets.

Embodiments of the master robots in the inventive game may be controlledwith a portable electronic device (controller), such as a smart phone,with communication and imaging capabilities, such as a camera. Themaster robot and slave targets may sync (and link with each other) withthe portable electronic device via a bar code, quick response (QR) code,radio frequency identification (RFID), near field communication,Bluetooth, and other identification methods. In an embodiment thebarcode may be positioned on the bottom of the robot for scanning orimage capture with the portable electronic device. The master robot alsomay be configured with the ability to sync with the slave targets. Theportable electronic device or controller may be configured withsoftware, such as a downloadable application (App) for playing theinventive game. The controller may have inertial sensors to provide atilt to drive for the robot being controlled i.e.,—more tilt, morespeed—horizontal is no speed in any direction. Additional movementcontrol may include “Push to Pass” feature to enable short bursts ofspeed for the robot. The controlling device may also provide indicatorssuch as a for example a timer to show when the last target waskilled—used to decide who wins in close decisions, controls to set thenumber of targets in a game, a way to connect all controllers in a gameso that they can all start the game at the same time. The controller mayhave display aspects to provide simulated game play to practice thephysical game, as well as the ability to control a physical gameremotely.

Embodiments of the master robots may be configured with software to keepthe robot on the interlocking playing field 10, or be user programmableto map the playing field (surface). In addition, the master robots maybe equipped with sensors to identify the boundaries or edges of theplaying field surface. Embodiments of the software for controlling themaster robots may also be configured with a victory “dance” and anintroductory “dance” routine program. Embodiments of the robot may haveomni-wheel drive so that it can move in any direction at any time (nosteering).

Embodiments of the master robot may have a power source such as abattery, lights, vision capability with one or more cameras, and audiocapability through a speaker. In an embodiment, the vision system mayenable viewing (controlling) the game from the robot's perspective. Therobot may be configured with a removable crown which can be illuminatedfrom the bottom with multi-colored light(s) from the Robot. Each crowncan be unique by using rapid manufacturing. The robot may have anIndicator to show how many targets are still alive, such as multiplelights to indicate how many targets are left.

Embodiments of the slave targets may have electronic intelligence andtwo-way communication capability with any master robot, and have anability to “lock” with one individual master robot. Embodiments of theslave target may have a power source such as a battery, lights, visioncapability with one or more cameras, and audio capability through aspeaker. An example of audio may be a scream when killed. The slavetargets may be equipped with sensors to identify the boundaries or edgesof the playing field surface. The slave targets may assume a sphericalshape (ball) for rolling on playing field surface (pool table).

Embodiments of the slave targets may be configured with a removable“Head” that can fall off during game, thereby initiating some responsefrom the master robot. In an embodiment, the head that pops off, asbeing spring loaded, when eliminated from game, as it for example: goesoff a table, into a pocket, or over the line. Furthermore, the head maybe configured like the back end of a throwing dart (post) to accommodatethe “flights” for identification of the targets

Embodiments of the slave targets may sync with the portable electronicdevice via a bar code, quick response (QR) code, radio frequencyidentification (RFID), near field communication, Bluetooth, and otheridentification methods. In an embodiment, the barcode may be positionedon the bottom of the slave target for scanning with the portableelectronic device.

In an embodiment, the playing surface assemble with interlocking pieces10 may have graphics and indicators for positioning game pieces beforeplay begins, and to protect pool table felt. In embodiments, the playingsurface formed with interlocking pieces 10 may have Intelligence tomonitor game pieces.

Any patents or publications mentioned in this specification are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference.

The foregoing description is illustrative of embodiments of theinvention, but is not meant to be a limitation upon the practicethereof.

1. A user configurable playing surface and stadium venue comprising: aplurality of interlocking floor parts that form a playing surface, eachof the of said interlocking floor parts having a series of openings; anda set of wall elements, each wall element having insertion tabsconfigured to mate with said interlocking floor parts using said seriesof openings to form said stadium venue with a perimeter boundary.
 2. Theuser configurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim 1 whereinsaid plurality of interlocking floor parts and said set of wall elementsare formed of at least one of wood, plastic, or composite materials. 3.The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim 1wherein said plurality of interlocking floor parts and said set of wallelements are formed out of a foam-based material.
 4. The userconfigurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim 3 wherein saidplurality of interlocking floor parts and said set of wall elements aredie-cut from said foam-based material.
 5. The user configurable playingsurface and stadium venue of claim 3 wherein said plurality ofinterlocking floor parts and said set of wall elements use the samethickness or different thickness of foam than said interlocking floorparts, or said set of wall elements are formed of a different materialand have a different thickness than the floor parts.
 6. The userconfigurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim 1 wherein saidinterlocking floor parts are shaped as squares, rectangles, triangles,and/or other shapes.
 7. The user configurable playing surface andstadium venue of claim 1 wherein said interlocking floor parts have aset of perimeter edges formed with alternating male and female featuresthat join with complementary patterns when mating other of saidinterlocking floor parts.
 8. The user configurable playing surface andstadium venue of claim 1 wherein said series of openings are used forinsertion of components to alter game play.
 9. The user configurableplaying surface and stadium venue of claim 1 further comprising a set ofinterlocking edge parts about an outer perimeter of the playing surface,said set of interlocking edge parts having a series of openings forinserting said set of wall elements, a set of rod/tube parts, and/or aset of buttresses to support said set of wall elements.
 10. The userconfigurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim 1 wherein saidconfigurable playing surface is configured to be taken apart for easytransport and storage.
 11. The user configurable playing surface andstadium venue of claim 1 wherein said set of wall elements furthercomprises a set of gates with various sized gate openings.
 12. The userconfigurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim 11 said set ofgates are configured with a gate mechanism that periodically blocks saidgate openings.
 13. The user configurable playing surface and stadiumvenue of claim 1 wherein said set of wall elements further comprises astadium module structure having a front face connected to a rear facewith a set of side walls.
 14. The user configurable playing surface andstadium venue of claim 13 further comprising a set of openings orwindows made in at least one of said front face, said rear face, andsaid side walls.
 15. The user configurable playing surface and stadiumvenue of claim 13 wherein said front face and/or said rear face areconfigured with insertion tabs for placement and insertion on saidinterlocking floor parts and/or onto a set of interlocking edge parts.16. The user configurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim 13wherein said stadium module structure is configured to hold at least oneof various computer controlled gates, bumpers, targets, displays,graphics, speakers, lights, cameras, clocks, and tracks.
 17. The userconfigurable playing surface and stadium venue of claim 1 wherein saidseries of openings extend from a top surface to a bottom surface of oneof the interlocking floor parts.
 18. The user configurable playingsurface and stadium venue of claim 1 wherein said series of openings arenot throughholes extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of oneof the interlocking floor parts.
 19. The user configurable playingsurface and stadium venue of claim 1 wherein said series of openingsinclude at least two shapes.
 20. The user configurable playing surfaceand stadium venue of claim 1 wherein said series of openings do not forma closed packed arrangement.